High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common cardiovascular condition in which blood pressure consistently remains higher than normal.

This occurs through multiple different mechanisms, including dysregulation of the hormones responsible for blood pressure control and an overactive sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body's stress response. Excessive salt intake can also contribute to increased blood pressure.

Hypertension often goes unnoticed due to a lack of symptoms in its early stages. However, if left untreated, it causes significant damage and leads to serious complications.

At Apex Weight Solutions, we understand that weight loss improves blood pressure through various mechanisms.

Do you have questions about your weight and elevated blood pressure?

Call us to schedule an appointment today.

Blood pressure (BP) is the measurement of the force exerted by blood against the walls of your blood vessels. Your BP is influenced by two primary factors: 

• How much blood the heart pumps
• Pliability of the walls of your arteries

If your heart pumps a higher volume of blood or the arteries are narrow, blood pressure tends to increase. This is because the increased blood volume meets more resistance in the narrower arteries, causing the pressure to rise against the arterial walls.

There are two types of high blood pressure:

• Primary hypertension: This type develops gradually over time and is often associated with your lifestyle and daily habits, such as nutrition, physical activity, and stress. Plaque buildup in the arteries due to these habits can lead to the development of primary hypertension.
• Secondary hypertension: This type is caused by an underlying medical condition or medication. Secondary hypertension tends to manifest suddenly and requires specific treatment, targeting the underlying cause. 

There are multiple factors and health conditions that can contribute to the development of high blood pressure. These include:

• Age: The risk of high blood pressure tends to increase as you get older.
• Race: Certain races, such as African Americans, are at higher risk of developing high blood pressure.
• Family history: If you have a family history of high blood pressure, you are more likely to develop it yourself.
• Excess weight: Overweight or obesity can exert physical pressure on the blood vessels, and pro-inflammation from the fat mass surrounding your abdomen and organs can contribute to plaque formation, leading to high BP.
• Lack of physical activity: A sedentary lifestyle with no physical movement can result in higher heart rates and weight gain, which can both raise the risk of developing high blood pressure.
• Tobacco abuse: Smoking and chewing tobacco can elevate blood pressure by contributing to plaque formation within the arterial walls.
• Food choices: Consuming too much salt and not enough potassium can contribute to elevated blood pressure.
• Stress: Long-term stress may lead to hypertension.
• Related health conditions: Conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can increase the risk of high blood pressure.

Untreated high blood pressure can lead to serious health issues, including:

• Heart attack or stroke: Increased blood pressure can lead to the hardening and thickening of your arteries. This can increase the risk of blockages that can trigger heart attacks or strokes.
• Aneurysm: An aneurysm is a localized, abnormal bulge or ballooning in the walls of blood vessels. Elevated blood pressure can weaken your blood vessel walls, causing them to bulge and form aneurysms.
• Heart failure: The heart has to work harder to pump blood when you have elevated BP. It can lead to the thickening of the heart muscle and an eventual failure to supply blood throughout the body, resulting in heart failure.
• Weakened and narrowed blood vessels: High blood pressure can weaken and narrow your blood vessels, particularly in the kidneys, potentially leading to kidney damage.

Diagnosing high blood pressure includes a series of steps to accurately measure and assess your blood pressure levels. The diagnostic process involves:

• Blood pressure measurement: The first step is to measure your BP at home, with a home blood pressure monitor, or at the doctor's office. 
• Multiple readings: A single high BP reading does not necessarily indicate hypertension. Multiple blood pressure readings at different times and on separate occasions are taken to confirm the diagnosis. 
• Assessment of risk factors: In addition to BP measurements, it is crucial to assess other risk factors and health conditions that may contribute to high blood pressure. These factors include your age, family history, lifestyle habits, and existing medical conditions.

The treatment of high blood pressure focuses on compliance with blood pressure medications, adopting healthy lifestyle changes, and addressing any secondary causes contributing to the development of high blood pressure. 

At Apex Weight Solutions, we offer a comprehensive approach to managing high blood pressure. Our treatment plan includes:

• Adopting a heart-healthy nutritional intake with a focus on reduced salt consumption to help lower blood pressure
• Engaging in regular physical activity to improve cardiovascular health and lower blood pressure
• Maintaining a healthy weight or losing excess weight 
• Limiting alcohol consumption and refraining from smoking
• Ensuring you get 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep each night and managing stress levels 
• Prescription medications to lower blood pressure and address underlying causes of high blood pressure

At Apex Weight Solutions, we are committed to helping you achieve and maintain optimal blood pressure levels through the management of unhealthy weight. Our team offers personalized care tailored to your specific needs and conditions.

We look forward to assisting you on your journey to better health. To schedule your consultation, request an appointment online or call us at 708-797-3541.